Short answer: the SMSL SU-10. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#3 and #16 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL SU-10 costs $899.99 against $999 for the SMSL VMV D2R, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
Why pick the SMSL SU-10: Audio Science Review measured 124 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp.
What the SMSL VMV D2R does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is the priciest DAC in its group yet only matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S, which costs a fraction as much and measured cleaner.
Buy the SMSL SU-10. Both are rated the same, and it costs $99.01 less than the SMSL VMV D2R.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-10 | SMSL VMV D2R | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899.99 | $999.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 30 in DACs | #16 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 124 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9038PRO | BD34301EKV |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, IR remote | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 1.5” x 7.3” (240 x 39 x 185 mm) | 11” x 1.7” x 9.3” (280 x 43 x 235.5 mm) |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg) | 7.1 lbs (3,200 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL SU-10:
- Topping D900 vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL SU-10 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Gustard X18 vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL M400 vs SMSL SU-10
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
SMSL SU-10: $899.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 124 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It takes USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, feeds an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR, and has a volume knob and IR remote.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp. The SMSL D-6S rates the same with nearly identical measured SINAD for far less.
Full SMSL SU-10 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 1.5” x 7.3” (240 x 39 x 185 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 124 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, IR remote |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL VMV D2R: $999.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It offers USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, plus RCA and balanced XLR outputs and a hardware volume knob for use as a preamp.
Cons: It is the priciest DAC in its group yet only matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S, which costs a fraction as much and measured cleaner. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE also measured cleaner at 123 dB for much less. At 3.2 kg it is large and heavy.
Full SMSL VMV D2R review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | BD34301EKV |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 11” x 1.7” x 9.3” (280 x 43 x 235.5 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3,200 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons